The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gardens in Sydney

Sydney might be best known for its glittering harbour, beaches, and skyline icons, but there’s another side just as cherished — its lush, well-kept gardens. Scattered across the city are green spaces where you can escape the bustle, enjoy a coffee under the trees, and enjoy a taste of the slow life. 🌿

This garden-hopping itinerary takes you through some of the best gardens in Sydney, from the heart of Circular Quay to the quiet suburban parks that feel like hidden secrets. You can follow it in a day or spread it out over a few days. Either way, it’s an easy way to experience the city at its most peaceful.

Ready to go? Keep reading for more!

You can’t start a garden trail without the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. It’s right next to the Opera House and Circular Quay, just an easy 6-minute walk away.

Established in 1816, it’s Australia’s oldest botanic garden and still one of its most beautiful. Notable nearby locations include Palm Grove and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, where you’ll get that classic view of the Opera House framed by the Harbour Bridge.

If you want to make your visit extra special, pre-order a Botanic House Picnic Hamper Sydney via Klook. It’s a ready-made gourmet spread you can enjoy right in the gardens, perfect for a laid-back lunch with harbour views.

Prefer a touch of indulgence? The Rustic Italian Picnic in the Domain or Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is a great option for couples or friends who want a themed picnic with all the details handled.

Getting there: A short walk from Circular Quay station or ferry terminal. There’s limited metered parking on Mrs Macquarie’s Road if you’re driving. Nearby icons: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, and the Art Gallery of NSW.

From the Botanic Gardens, walk west through The Domain, a spacious park that connects seamlessly to Barangaroo Reserve, one of Sydney’s most modern green spaces, built on reclaimed industrial land near Darling Harbour.

Barangaroo feels different from traditional gardens since it’s more of a native landscape design, with sandstone terraces, eucalyptus trees, and walking paths hugging the harbour. It’s a great spot for a scenic stroll or bike ride, especially around sunset when the light hits the water.

You can easily combine this with the Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Pass, which stops at key attractions including Barangaroo, Circular Quay, and the Opera House, perfect for getting between gardens without worrying about public transport.

Getting there: From the Royal Botanic Gardens, it’s about a 25-minute walk or a 6-minute car ride to Barangaroo. Paid parking available nearby. Nearby icons: Darling Harbour, Walsh Bay, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Next up, head into the heart of the city to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, located near Darling Harbour and Tumbalong Park. One of the most famous gardens in Sydney, it was built in 1988 to celebrate Sydney’s sister-city relationship with Guangzhou. Because of this, this garden feels like a completely different world once you enter its gates.

Since it’s a pretty popular attraction, you can secure your Chinese Garden of Friendship Admission Sydney ticket in advance to skip the line and stroll straight in. The garden also has a teahouse called One Dining that serves dim sum and green tea, which is amazing for a calm break after exploring nearby Darling Harbour.

Getting there: A 9-minute walk from Town Hall light rail station. Paid parking available in nearby Darling Harbour carparks. Nearby icons: Darling Harbour, ICC Sydney, and Chinatown’s Dixon Street.

A short drive or bus ride southeast brings you to Centennial Parklands, one of the largest and most loved green areas in the city. Spread over 360 hectares, this vast park encompasses Moore Park, Queens Park, and Centennial Park. 

Unlike manicured gardens in Sydney, Centennial Parklands has a relaxed, open charm. You can feed ducks at the pond, rent a bike, or bring a picnic and spend an entire afternoon people-watching. If you’re into photography, the fig-tree avenues and wide lawns make for great compositions, especially in the late afternoon.

Since these are all outdoor activities, staying connected on the go is essential. You can opt for an Australia eSIM to help you here. Unlike a physical eSIM, you can simply install it via QR code!

Getting there: Buses 333 or 352 from the city stop near the park. Free parking available in various zones. Nearby icons: Oxford Street and Paddington Reservoir Gardens.

Located about 30 minutes west of the city, Auburn Botanic Gardens might be one of the most underrated gardens in Sydney. It’s known for its Japanese-style bridges, koi ponds, and a cherry blossom festival in late August, but it’s worth visiting any time of year.

It’s an easy-going place to spend a slow morning, especially if you’re traveling with family or want a quiet break from the city buzz. There are shaded picnic lawns, so bring snacks or pick up takeaway from nearby Auburn Central.

Getting there: Train to Auburn Station, then a short bus or 20-minute walk. Free parking available on-site. Nearby icons: Auburn Central shops and Lidcombe’s cafés.

For something more intimate, visit Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay, just across the harbour. Created by artist Wendy Whiteley as a tribute to her late husband, it’s peaceful and scenic, overlooking the water.  

From here, walk down to Luna Park, cross the bridge on foot, or hop on a ferry from Milsons Point back to Circular Quay. If you have a Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Pass, you can rejoin the route nearby for an easy ride back into the city.

Getting there: Train to Milsons Point or North Sydney, then a short downhill walk. Limited street parking.

Nearby icons: Luna Park, Lavender Bay Wharf, and the Harbour Bridge walkway.

If you have more time, extend your itinerary south to the Royal National Park, about an hour’s drive from Sydney. It’s technically outside the city, but worth it if you love open natural spaces.

This park has cliffside mountains, hidden beaches, and scenic hiking trails. While it’s not a formal garden, it’s where you’ll see New South Wales’ native plants in their natural habitat. If you're looking for an active day out, this is for you!

You can visit on your own or do a guided Royal National Park Day Tour to explore safely and learn more about the area’s biodiversity.

Getting there: Drive via the Princes Highway or train to Loftus with a bus transfer. Park entry fee applies. For visitors, doing a guided day tour is the most fuss-free approach. Nearby icons: Bundeena Village and Wattamolla Beach.

Garden-hopping might not be the first thing you think of when planning a Sydney trip, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore. If you could only choose a couple of gardens to explore from the list, we recommend the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, or the Royal National Park! 

So next time you’re here, slow down, breathe in the greenery, and plan your own relaxing garden-hopping adventure across Sydney. What are you waiting for? The great outdoors is calling. 🥳

Yes! The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is completely free to enter. It’s open daily and sits right next to the Sydney Opera House, making it easy to pair a garden stroll with a visit to Circular Quay or Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. 

The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is the city’s most famous—and for good reason. It’s Australia’s oldest botanic garden and one of the most scenic public spaces in the country, offering panoramic views of the harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Opera House. 

It’s hard to beat Sydney Harbour for sheer beauty, and many of the best gardens in Sydney sit right along its edge. The Royal Botanic Gardens gives you postcard views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay offers a peaceful hidden lookout framed by greenery. For wide open spaces, Centennial Parklands and Barangaroo Reserve also showcase Sydney’s natural charm against an urban backdrop.